Where: Amelia Island, Florida
When: 2015-2016
With: Dave and everyone we know
Amelia Island is always going to hold a very special place in the Book for me because it is where Dave and I got married. Now I'm not saying our priority was getting married somewhere in The Book, but it certainly was a plus when we decided on this tiny island at the northernmost part of Florida's east coast. We had looked at every venue along the northeast coast of the state, but when we arrived here, we knew this was a winner.
The interesting part of our photographic exploration of this island is that I actually didn't take the majority of the pictures - it was our wedding photographers, Brooke Images! So through our wedding photos and engagement photos, here's how the island is set up.
Amelia Island isn't a clean cut island, but rather becomes an island from the intracoastal and the several little inlets and marshes dividing it from the main coast of Florida. At the northern part of the island is the main city, Fernandina Beach, and traveling south are several beach houses that hug the coastline until reaching the big hotels at the south, like the Omni and the Ritz.
Starting at the north, Fernandina Beach is such a cute little town. It's been around since the 1700s, and since then, has been ruled by eight different countries, including the Spanish, the British, and France. It still retains its Spanish charm, with an adorable downtown filled with bars and restaurants.
Here's some shots of us casually wandering around Fernandina Beach with our photographers in tow. You know, totally casual. If you can look past our posing, observe some of the gorgeous Spanish architecture around us.
We had our rehearsal dinner here in Fernandina at this fun little restaurant called The Salty Pelican. Two floors, all open, with views of the sunset. It was beautiful and had amazing food. There were even dolphins hopping around in the water while the sun went down. A perfect formal kick-off to our wedding weekend. Photos to come when I track some down.
Straight east from Fernandina is where the beachy side of the island starts to emerge. We had our welcome drinks at this amazing beach bar that feels more like the keys than the deep south. Brightly colored furniture, Jimmy Buffett on the speakers, and the ocean in the distance made it the ideal "informal" kick-off to our wedding weekend.
Further south down A1A, are all the beach houses that a couple of our wedding guests decided to stay at. The beaches here are big and expansive, but not overly crowded, making this an awesome destination for a rental house vacation.
At the southern tip of the island is where some of the natural habitat still grows wild. We had more engagement photos taken in the park in this area. There were tons of trails that were all crowded over with trees and Spanish moss.
Finally, to the main event which was held at the Ritz-Carlton. This has actually been voted the best hotel in the state of Florida. The whole state! It hits just the right level of classy elegance, but it still a fun and relaxed beachside retreat. We were happy and surprised to see how many guests decided to treat themselves by staying here, and were even happier that it did not disappoint.
The entry road to the Ritz is one of my favorite parts about it. A short road turns off of A1A and is completely hooded over by a tunnel of trees and, of course, Spanish moss. The trees cover the road until the entrance of the Ritz is unveiled. It's such a beautiful layout.
The massive dunes and the walkways over them provided the perfect aisle down to the beach for the ceremony. The beaches were beautiful, and we even organized a day at the beach on the Friday before the ceremony. It was amazing to have so many people from different parts of our lives enjoying the sun and sand, playing games, drinking beers, and getting to know each other.
We had our reception on the great lawn next to the hotel. Stringed lights covered the dance floor, and the band had everyone dancing under the stars until the end. Even hotel guests were joining in on the dancing from their balconies.
Amelia Island is a quiet island, but if you are looking to enjoy an easy beach weekend, or a wedding, it is the perfect setting. We will certainly never forget it.
When: 2015-2016
With: Dave and everyone we know
Amelia Island is always going to hold a very special place in the Book for me because it is where Dave and I got married. Now I'm not saying our priority was getting married somewhere in The Book, but it certainly was a plus when we decided on this tiny island at the northernmost part of Florida's east coast. We had looked at every venue along the northeast coast of the state, but when we arrived here, we knew this was a winner.
The interesting part of our photographic exploration of this island is that I actually didn't take the majority of the pictures - it was our wedding photographers, Brooke Images! So through our wedding photos and engagement photos, here's how the island is set up.
Amelia Island isn't a clean cut island, but rather becomes an island from the intracoastal and the several little inlets and marshes dividing it from the main coast of Florida. At the northern part of the island is the main city, Fernandina Beach, and traveling south are several beach houses that hug the coastline until reaching the big hotels at the south, like the Omni and the Ritz.
Starting at the north, Fernandina Beach is such a cute little town. It's been around since the 1700s, and since then, has been ruled by eight different countries, including the Spanish, the British, and France. It still retains its Spanish charm, with an adorable downtown filled with bars and restaurants.
Here's some shots of us casually wandering around Fernandina Beach with our photographers in tow. You know, totally casual. If you can look past our posing, observe some of the gorgeous Spanish architecture around us.
Looking nice and southern.
The town has a bit of a rundown charm to it, but coupled with the trees, it's beautiful.
Fernandina sits on the intracoastal, with lots of boats and excursions that visitors can take. Follow us to go check it out!
The marina.
Just a snap of Dave and I and our boat.
Heading back into town.
The main street of Fernandina has tons of little shops and restaurants along it. While its not huge, it definitely offers lots of places to grab food, a drink, or a quirky souvenir.
We had our rehearsal dinner here in Fernandina at this fun little restaurant called The Salty Pelican. Two floors, all open, with views of the sunset. It was beautiful and had amazing food. There were even dolphins hopping around in the water while the sun went down. A perfect formal kick-off to our wedding weekend. Photos to come when I track some down.
Straight east from Fernandina is where the beachy side of the island starts to emerge. We had our welcome drinks at this amazing beach bar that feels more like the keys than the deep south. Brightly colored furniture, Jimmy Buffett on the speakers, and the ocean in the distance made it the ideal "informal" kick-off to our wedding weekend.
OH and they served margarita popsicles.
Further south down A1A, are all the beach houses that a couple of our wedding guests decided to stay at. The beaches here are big and expansive, but not overly crowded, making this an awesome destination for a rental house vacation.
At the southern tip of the island is where some of the natural habitat still grows wild. We had more engagement photos taken in the park in this area. There were tons of trails that were all crowded over with trees and Spanish moss.
The trails then spilled out onto this really cool beach that was covered in downed trees attempting to become driftwood. It was so pretty!
Finally, to the main event which was held at the Ritz-Carlton. This has actually been voted the best hotel in the state of Florida. The whole state! It hits just the right level of classy elegance, but it still a fun and relaxed beachside retreat. We were happy and surprised to see how many guests decided to treat themselves by staying here, and were even happier that it did not disappoint.
The entry road to the Ritz is one of my favorite parts about it. A short road turns off of A1A and is completely hooded over by a tunnel of trees and, of course, Spanish moss. The trees cover the road until the entrance of the Ritz is unveiled. It's such a beautiful layout.
The massive dunes and the walkways over them provided the perfect aisle down to the beach for the ceremony. The beaches were beautiful, and we even organized a day at the beach on the Friday before the ceremony. It was amazing to have so many people from different parts of our lives enjoying the sun and sand, playing games, drinking beers, and getting to know each other.
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